North Texas Leaders Praise Trump’s HUD Pick

Plano-based pastor Scott Turner has been tapped by President-elect Donald Trump to run the Department of Housing and Urban Development, a move drawing praise from leaders across North Texas.

The 52-year-old from Richardson has had a unique career trajectory that included stints in state and national politics as well as nine seasons in the NFL, the Dallas Morning News reported. He’s also the top-ranking Black person picked for the new administration so far.

Madera Residential’s Jay Parsons called the pick a “home run” on X, highlighting Turner’s expertise in multifamily housing as a critical asset for HUD.

Turner is a protegee of former HUD Secretary Ben Carson and worked in the previous Trump administration as head of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, which worked the Opportunity Zone program.

Prior to his stint in the executive branch, Turner served two terms in the Texas House of Representatives.

He’s also an associate pastor at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano. Senior pastor Jack Graham praised the nomination, calling Turner “a beloved pastor” and “a man of impeccable integrity.”

Beyond his church involvement, Turner and his wife, Robin, co-founded the Community Engagement & Opportunity Council in 2021. It’s a Christian literacy nonprofit.thatcounts among its partners Dallas-based apartment developer JPI.

Turner’s involvement with JPI extends to his role as chief visionary officer, a position concerned with driving the company’s growth. He was appointed to the role in June 2023.

Local leaders have rallied behind Turner’s nomination, citing his experience and dedication. State Rep. Jeff Leach, who represents parts of Collin County, praised Turner as “the perfect choice” to address housing challenges on a national level.

“Trump couldn’t have picked a better man and servant,” Leach wrote on X.

Turner expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, writing on X: “We have an important mission ahead. To God be the glory. Let’s get to work!”

— Andrew Terrell